Work in Japan

No language skills required. Our Work Japan program allows you to move to Japan for up to 12 months with visa help, accommodation and job support – including a pre-arranged English-speaking ski season job

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Why do a working holiday in Japan?

Why follow crowds when you can follow snow-capped peaks, conveyors belts of sushi and one of the most awe-inspiring cultures in the world.

When you think of traditional working holiday destinations, you normally think of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But where’s the fun in ‘normal’? Home to avenues of cherry blossom, trains as quick as bullets, and rent-a-cuddle cafés – Japan is where ancient meets futuristic, strange meets beautiful, and no one bothers to bat an eyelid.

While Japan can be an assault on the senses, it’s also one of the friendliest and safest countries to live and travel – making a Japanese working holiday a one-time opportunity to earn money and get job experience while immersing yourself in a culture that’s completely different to your own. Oh, and spend a ski season working amongst the freshest and lightest powder in the world. Pow!

Visas and eligibility
A working holiday in Japan

A working holiday in Japan is always in season

Our Work Japan program supports you with finding work in Tokyo for the whole year, with the option for a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano over the winter. We’ll train you on Japanese etiquette, help you out with accommodation, and sort all your working holiday essentials such as a tax file number and Japanese bank account.

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The need to know before you go

Cost and inclusions

How to go

Japan can seem intimidatingly unfamiliar to travellers, especially when it comes to cultural and business etiquette. From intercultural training to translating your CV into Japanese, our Work Japan program helps to embrace the differences and navigate the hurdles.

Why Japan

More zen than a Japanese rock garden, our BUNAC team and trusted in-country partners take the stress out of applying for your visa, finding a job and sorting out all the legal formalities of working in Japan.

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We provide step-by-step guidance with filling out your visa form, checking it before it’s submitted to make sure everything is correct. 

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Don’t want the stress of finding a job? The Ultimate Japan includes a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano.

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Your personal translators, our Tokyo team take you via banks, tax and employment offices to sort the essentials when you first arrive.

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Leave your shoes at the door

Leave your shoes at the door

When it comes to good manners, we bow down to the standards set by the Japanese. Social etiquette is very important in Japanese society, and it’s important to understand the culture and customs before you go. From taking your shoes off at the door, to finishing your food and not leaving a tip – we include a pre-departure intercultural session before you go that focuses on living and working in Japan.

Let’s get piste together

Let’s get piste together

Ski seasons aren’t just for seasonnaires. You don’t need to be able to ski or board to work a ski season. Most of our employers take on working holidaymakers for non-skiing roles, such as guest services and restaurant work. If you do want to learn, then you’ll usually get a lift pass and free or subsidised lessons thrown in with your job. And if you don’t, just sit back and enjoy the clean air and mountain views.

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Book with a deposit and pay the balance when recruitment starts

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24/7 emergency help and support at home and abroad

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60+ years of work, learn and intern abroad expertise

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Book now to secure your spot for 2024 with a deposit

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Contact us
  • United Kingdom: 0333 014 8484
  • United States: +1 3323303222
  • Australia: +61 3 9119 5252
  • New Zealand: +64 9 883 2525
  • info@bunac.org
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The BUNAC® logo and many of the programme names on this website are registered trademarks in the USA, the United Kingdom and in other jurisdictions. Company registration number: 1391030. Trading as BUNAC Travel Services Limited, 5 Richbell Place, London, WC1N 3LA, United Kingdom.